M: "Welcome to earth," Zalia said bluntly, "trust me, this is just the tip of the iceberg, the 2020s were definitely some of the worst."

"Hey, is someone there," a voice called from the back of the library, "Zal, Jo, who have you brought this time?"

"Family members, come say hi, MC," Johann called to them, "bring Adira too."

After a minute or so, another countryhuman came into view holding a little girl in his arms. They both looked on with interest, and the child spoke up first, "Papi, they are from museum, they just like in big painting in dinner room too."

"They are, aren't they, my little honeydew," the older country agreed, then tipped his hat to the newcomers, "howdy there, fellas, it's nice to see y'all back in the land of the living. You don't know me, but Ame has talked a lot about ya, the name's Marine Corps, though y'all can just call me MC."

N: "It's nice to meet you MC," Johann waved, "and I'm guessing that you're America's militant entity."

"I can't believe that prick is actually a fully fledged country," Wolfgang grumbled, staring at a map, "can't keep his mouth shut. He also has the country basically the size of Europe, clearly he takes after his father."

Just before anyone could say anything, Helena and Nikolaus stumbled across the adults, a book in hand recommended by the librarian, and they eagerly waved at Adira.

M: Adira inhaled sharply and smiled, like she hadn't ever seen kids around her age before, she wriggled out of her father's arms and ran up to the children to meet them. She certainly didn't act like a normal child, for one thing, she walked around on all fours, and instead of waving or saying hello, she was sniffing the newcomers and rubbing against them like a cat.

"Easy there, my tigress, give them some air," MC chuckled, kneeling down to beckon his daughter back, "we taught you how you greet people, why don't you try again."

The hyperactive child agreed and went back, more calmly this time and sat down at a distance, where she waved before saying, "Hi, my name is Adira, it nice to meet you."

N: "Hallo, my name is Nikolaus," the Saxon smiled.

"My name is Helena," the young girl continued, then pointed at Johann, "Papa Jo is my papa."

Johann beamed at the mention before Wolfgang sighed, "everyone probably knows that. There's probably a history book somewhere too with our entire lineage."

Ignoring what his father said, Niko spoke to Adira. "Do you want to be our friend," he asked.

M: Adira squeaked with joy and bounced around the children, repeatedly declaring yes, earning a truly happy smile from her caretakers.

"I guess that finishing school is out of the question now, huh," MC guessed, "alright then, why don't you three go play outside, we have a large backyard and a tree you can climb, just be careful of Mandoria, he doesn't like it when you get too close to his nest."

"Mandoria is Poldara's eagle," Johann whispered to the others, "he always admired Grandfather more than any of us."

Once the children were gone it was safe to talk about the deeper stuff, "so, I guess Saxon was a friend of yours, huh, sorry for your loss," Zalia said, "Prudoria speaks fondly of him, apparently he taught him almost everything he knows about fighting, and that's saying something since he's one of the best fighter in my clan."

N: "Well, apart from the whole 'betraying his people' thing, we had a good relationship with him," Wolfgang spoke, "he would look out for us Saxons since we were his people, and when I stayed in Britain, my son Niko would see him often and was like family to him."

"Saxon was also the one who led me to Mandoria when I was lost in the first place," Johann continued, "so I got to give it to him." When Prudoria was brought up, his eyes lit up, "could we meet Pruds?"

M: "Meet him, hah, yeah you can meet him if you have a death wish," Zalia scoffed, "Sorry to burst your innocence kid, but he died along with you. Now he's an emotionless killing machine, one of my best assassins, trust me, you don't want to see how he turned out."

"Seriously, that can't be right," Rowen disagreed, "Prud was the kindest, most caring person ever, he wouldn't hurt a fly, I'm pretty sure that he got a job as a doctor back in Britan."

"Well, the death of loved ones can change a person," the female country stated, "everyone he knew and loved kicked the bucket one by one, all he had left was two of his brothers, since after Saxon died, Mr. Anglo shut everyone out, including him.

She walked up to Johann and stood against him intimidatingly, "trust me, kid, it's better for you to forget about him, he hasn't shown emotion for as long as I've known him, even dad and uncle haven't seen him in years. So forget him for your own good, otherwise you're asking for a one way ticket back to the afterlife, and he's the ticket holder."

N: Johann cowered a bit; Zalia's intimidation was definitely working, but he stood his ground. "The last thing I will do is to forget him," the Mandorian spoke confidently, "he had the shittiest childhood when he was with Prussia, and being his older brother, I wanted his life to be as happy as possible. I understand that he would change, but he will always be my brother."

"And besides, what's the harm with visiting him," Wolfgang shrugged, "if he's one way to return back to the afterlife, then he's just doing us a favour."

"Don't you dare say that again," the Mandorian warned, turning to the Saxon, "you were the first to die from the four of us, and you didn't see the impact you left on your children. You're not dying first again."

Wolfgang silently took in what Johann said before turning to the Mandarian, "If the man wants to see his brother, don't stop him."

M: Zalia simply shrugged, "I never said I was stopping anyone, normally I don't give a shit about Prud killing people, that's what he's paid to do anyway, so don't come crying to me when you get one of his sabers shoved into your chest."

"Alright, that is quite enough," country Johann interjected, "we've talked about you keeping your stupid mafia work out of the house, just call Prudoria and get him to visit-"

Zalia snatched the collar off of her brother's neck, causing him to immediately shut up, though it only angered him.

"Jo, I love you, but you know very well that I don't take orders from anyone, and you're only making me not want to call my Beta," she growled, holding the collar out of the other's reach, "you remember now, I am the alpha, and I decide what I do."

After a bit longer of their standoff, she gave Johann back his collar and walked out the room.

"Yeah, Zalia is the definition of resting bitch, in case you haven't noticed," MC commented, "you just learn to deal with it, she'll call your brother, but there is no guarantees that he's come, I don't think even Poldara has officially met him."

N: Johann hummed, slowly losing hope that he could see the old Prudoria again, but then he was surprised as Wolfgang began to leave the room.

"Have fun with your Mandorian family reunion," the Saxon said, "I'm personally not interested in all of this and might as well see what the kids are up to. Try not to piss off the bitch, Jo," and with that he was gone.

Johann sighed as he rubbed his face, "when are Mandara and Derogan going to come over? I just need to see a familiar face in this alien world."

M: "3:45 at the earliest," MC stated, looking at his watch, "although MA might be here sooner since he's in peacetime mode, not wartime mode. It ain't easy running a country, that's why Ame has a militant entity for each of his military branches, not to mention the fifty rogue countries for his states."

"Yeah, for now how about we show you guys where you'll be staying for the time being," Johann added once his collar was back on.

"Oh, so that thing is how you can talk without opening your mouth," Rowen observed, "how does it do that, and can you not talk without it?"

"Kinda, I have severe ADHD and Aspergers, it makes it hard for me to put my thoughts into words, so this collar does it for me," Johann explained, "it was my very first invention, before that I would just communicate through sign language."

N: "From what I can see, I'm happy that you got support," Johann said, "although I can't quite fully understand how you're twins with Zalia of all people."

Putting the books back to where they belonged, he continued. "Anyway, do take us to where we will be staying, I would rather start fitting in than look like I'm a living, breathing museum relic. Let's get the kids too."

M: Johann nodded and he lead the two Mandorians to the children, MC hanging back to clean up school time. They found the children with Wolfgang and Poldara outside, the latter showing them his eagle friend.

"-I found him injured after a rainstorm," he was explaining holding the raptor on his arm, "I took care of him until he was better and let him go, but he sticks around here anyway, he made his nest up in the tree, that's why we call it Mandoria's tree."

N: "Well, it's nice to see that Mandoria is still honoured to this day," Wolfgang smiled, but he frowned when he saw Niko try to reach the eagle.

"Niko, what does your Mutter and I say about if you want to touch something that isn't yours," he raised a brow.

The young boy retracted his hand before turning to the Mandarian, "can I pet Mandoria, bitte?"

M: "Yes you may," Poldara said, "just take two fingers and gently stroke his chest, he doesn't like his wings being touched and will bite if you do, we learned that the hard way with Germany."

Mandoria was well behaved for the children, even when Helena accidentally brushed a feather on his wing he didn't attack, making Poldara proud.

"Hey Poldara, when you guys are done with Mandoria, we're heading to the guest wing to show everyone their rooms," Johann called over to them, to which the other wave in confirmation.

After another minute or so Mandoria flew back to his tree and his owner led the children back to the group, and from there he and his cousin led them on a partial tour to the guest wing.

N: Helena and Nikolaus ran ahead, greeting everyone in their wake as they explored the mansion. Johann called out to them to not get ahead of themselves, but it fell on deaf ears, so he chuckled and shook his head.

"I might have already told you this before, Hezyka," he smiled, "but if that is how you felt with me running around, I'm sorry."

M: "Just a bit, but I considered it my workout routine," Rowen smiled, ruffling his son's hair, "I remember Ella taking after you a lot in her younger years, guess we get to experience that all over again."

"What does Hezyka mean," Johann asks, causing his cousin to face palm.

"Johann Kress Mandoria, you know over 145 different languages, several of them no one has ever heard of before," the special entity signed, "and you're telling me that you have never once decided to learn Mandorian?"

"Well most of those languages can be learned through visual or audio sources, Mandorian is such an extinct language that Mandara and dad don't even speak it anymore," Johann countered, "I tried to learn it but there aren't enough credible sources to learn from, you know that."

N: "Well, Johann," human Johann spoke, "Hezyka means father in Mandorian, and guess what," he pointed at Rowen, "you just got yourself a credible source."

"And what about you," Wolfgang questioned, "isn't you're Mandorian ok?"

"Of all the things you could forget, you choose to forget that," the Mandorian sighed, "it's weird speaking Mandorian in a German accent, which people can guess as to why, so I didn't really speak enough to be fluent in the language. Besides, ich spreche immer natürlich Deutsch (I always speak naturally in German)."

M: The two countryhumans nodded in understanding, making mental notes to probe Rowen's brain later about what he knew about their country's history. Despite the centuries that have passed there is still little known about the kingdom era, but they decided they wouldn't bring that up just yet.

The group finally made it to the guest wing, they entered the first room and gave a quick overview of everything in it, such as the lights, TV, telephone, etc.

"If you need help with anything or just someone to help you navigate the estate, you just press the 1 button on the phone and speak into the receiver," Poldara suggested, "a housekeeper will gladly provide you with anything you need, within reason of course."

"Uh, how about some more modern clothing," Rowen asked, "we don't know how long we'll be here and don't really want to stick out."

"We'll get something sorted for all of you, I'm sure some of the workers wouldn't mind loaning you clothes until we can get you some proper wardrobes," Johann answered, "other than that, the rooms are all basically the same except the ones on the left side have balconies that overlook the backyard, so choose whichever one you want, we'll have someone come up to get you when dad and uncle have arrived."

N: "Danke," Johann and Wolfgang said in unison then the former crouched down so that he was at eye level with his daughter, "Ella, which room do you want to go into? The one with the balcony or the one without one?"

"Balcony," she replied excitedly, to which the Mandorian chuckled.

"Balcony it is," he spoke as he got back up, turning to Wolfgang, "and what about you?"

"Niko is still a bit afraid of heights so we might opt out of the balcony," the Saxon answered as he ushered his son into the room opposite Johann, "try not to be mesmerised by all the technology around you."

"No promises. It's as if humanity had harnessed magic and made it accessible to everyone."

M: "Daddy and Uncle Clipsy do magic too, they really good at it," Adira declared, jumping onto the couch, "Uncle Clipsy not here, he's at bakery, be home very soon."

"Oh right, Clipsy, I knew I was forgetting something," Johann said, mentally facepalming himself, "yeah, I forgot to mention that Zalia and I have two other siblings, on is vacationing in Belarus, the other is actually someone you guys have met before, if I remember correctly."

"What do you mean we've met them before, I'm pretty sure Derogan didn't have any kids when I was alive," Rowen questioned.

"Well that's because when we met I wasn't exactly a kid," a disembodied voice said, "fear not though, I am a changed man in more ways than one."

A cloud of smoke appeared at the doorway, and when it dispersed there was a familiar demon-looking entity standing there.

"Adi, I got you donuts," he said to the child, who immediately ran up to him to give him a hug, "hey you two, long time no see, I thought I'd never see you again."

N: The moment the entity appeared, Wolfgang unconsciously shielded his son, worryingly looking at the man as he watched him give Adira a hug.

"I can't exactly say that the feeling's mutual, Eclipse," the Saxon replied, not letting the other leave his sight.

"Agreed," Johann replied solemnly, Helena holding his hand as she hid behind him. They all had their fair share of memories about Eclipse, and they weren't exactly the best ones.

"I see your flag is different," the Mandorian added.

M: "Yep, it's the flag of Mandara, most everyone's flags have changed over the years, you should see how many stars America has on his flag," Eclipse smiled, "and I get the caution, we had a very tense relationship, I'll keep myself scarce so you can feel comfortable."

"You scarce, don't make me laugh, brother, you are a sucker for the spotlight," Johann laughed.

Eclipse turned into smoke again and it flew above the special entity's head, and this time there was a red and black lemur with bat wings sitting on his head.

"Oh come now, Johanna, what's wrong with loving the spotlight, the people want a performance so you got to give it to them," he said, splaying himself on his sibling's head.

"Eclipse, what have I told you about using that nickname," Johann grumbled, "Just because I'm genderfluid doesn't mean I need a feminine version of my name."

N: Wolfgang and Johann grew even more weary of Eclipse, with his 'performance' reminding them of the eccentricity of a particular Prussian.

However, Niko was interested in how the Mandarian gave the country Johann a feminine name and exclaimed , "You're like the god Loki."

M: "Oh yeah, thanks kid, that's a new one," Lemur Eclipse thanked him, shifting back to normal and kneeling to the child's height, "normally I get called demon or dragon, I like the god comparison."

"Uncle Clipsy is best cook, he make yummy deer burger," Adira declared, offering Helena and Niko donuts, "He great with music too."

"Thank you, Squirt, I wouldn't say I'm that great, good enough to collab with Zalia and keep my bakery running at least," the adult chuckled.

He noticed that Helena was hiding behind Johann, it had been a long time since he interacted with these people, he didn't exactly remember Johann having kids, but dismissed the thought for later.

"Hey, it's ok honey, I don't bite. I know I look a little scary, but I wouldn't hurt a cutie like you," he reassured her, his voice was genuinely soft and gentle, "do you like flowers, here."

He held out his hand to her, sparkling red magic swirled around his hand and took the form of a yellow rose, which he offered to her as a peace offering.

N: Helena just stared at the flower, unsure whether to take it or not, so she looked up to Johann for guidance. She could tell that the Mandorian still didn't trust Eclipse, confusing her as to what to do.

However, even if she had memories of herself when she was much older, she was currently a five year old at heart, so she quickly took the flower before hiding behind her father.

"Diolch (thank you)," she thanked the Mandarian.

M: Eclipse's smile seemed to waver slightly, yes this was just a child being shy, but her hesitation still stung. He stood up and brushed himself off, then bid everyone adieu and left, though Johann quickly went after him.

"Poor Eclipse," Poldara sighed, "he really can't help being scary looking, it's just how he is."

"It's not that, the Eclipse we know was a murderous hybrid that tore Derogan's mind apart from the inside, in fact, can we talk about how they are in two different bodies and both alive," Rowen asked.

"Uncle's not a hybrid, Eclipse is his MS-PD manifestation, or Militant Split-Personality Disorder," the special entity corrected, then gave a short explanation about what that was and how Eclipse got his own body. "After that, MA raised him like his own, giving him the childhood he never had. He knows that he's supposed to be MA's rage and bloodlust, but he really tries hard to be a good person, like donating his left over baked goods to the homeless."

Rowen felt bad the more Eclipse was explained, he sighed and put a hand on his son's shoulder, "let's give him a chance, finzenda, it's been 300 years, that's a long time for someone to change, we can't judge him for what happened in the past, ok."

N: Johann just glanced at Rowen and sighed, "maybe, but for us it felt like it was yesterday."

He suddenly stopped talking when he saw Helena yawn, and he smiled, "I guess coming back to the living has made you tired, Ella. Well then, let's get you to bed."

The young girl nodded as Johann picked her up, saying his farewells before closing the door behind him. Wolfgang decided that Niko should also rest too, and followed suit.